Dress Up Your Driveway

Brighten up an overlooked space.

That dark, narrow strip alongside your driveway -- do you even notice it anymore, especially if it's shaded by trees or buildings? This simple plan can dress up that neglected area with minimal effort; just repeat it for a longer driveway. The plants have been selected for their late-season interest, tolerance of shade and low maintenance requirements in Zones 5 to 8. For early interest, underplant with spring bulbs; for summer, interplant with pink and white impatiens or pastel-colored tuberous begonias (dark hues tend to disappear in shade). Prepare the bed thoroughly before planting, incorporating several inches of compost, rotted leaves or other organic matter to hold moisture and improve fertility. Maintenance is limited to routine spring cleanup and deadheading.